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Mainstream political parties are increasingly allowing the far right to set the public discourse, as per a recent research conducted in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Researchers discovered that this phenomenon has unwittingly benefited radical groups by legitimising their ideas and spreading them more widely.

Analysis Drawing from Over 20 Years of News Coverage

The results, released in the European Journal of Political Research, utilized an computerized content review of over 520,000 articles from six national publications.

Berlin-based researchers observed that as the far right shifted from marginal topics in the late 1990s to central themes like integration and immigration, established parties increasingly adjusted their messaging in reaction.

This adjustment boosted the spread of these ideas and indicated to the electorate that such stances were acceptable.

Implications for Democratic Systems

"Public discourse by mainstream political groups plays a central role in the voting performance of the far right," explained a political sociologist involved in the research.

"This element has been underestimated," she added.

The effect was evident even when conventional groups were criticising the radical faction. "They still receive focus," the researcher remarked. "Our core argument is that because we live in such a battle for attention, this attention is crucial."

Normalisation Effect Across the Continent

While the study was focused on Germany, this mainstreaming phenomenon is probable to apply to countries throughout the European continent.

"This is frequently observed in German and British news outlets," explained another co-author. "Radical groups says something and everyone starts talking about it for one week."

"Even if you're opposing it, you're repeating it," he added.

Hardening of Public Rhetoric

At times, leaders have also hardened their discourse to match that of the radical right.

In a recent interview, a former German chancellor advocated widespread expulsions and urged them to happen "more frequently and rapidly."

Similar examples can be found throughout the continent, as politicians from nations including the UK to France embrace the rhetoric of the far right, especially on immigration.

This has created an echo chamber that would have been inconceivable a ten years prior.

Core Problem: Who Dictates the Agenda?

"{If you're a centrist political group and you are talking about cultural issues – migration, assimilation – in a way that is dictated by the rhythm of the far right, that's the essence of agenda setting," clarified a study author.

Some political parties have taken additional measures, seeking to copy the hardline agenda of the radical right, even as research suggests that this approach drives voters to vote for the radical faction.

Gradual Influence and Public Perception

The extent of data collected showed that the impact of far-right parties had been gradual and had increased with the passage of time.

"Public perception doesn't change from day to day," commented a researcher. "However, when you hear this negative framing around migration frequently, and it is being spread not only by far-right parties but also, for example, by mainstream parties, then of course this storyline travels further."

Requirement for Mainstream Groups to Carve Out Their Distinct Discourses

The research emphasized the need for established parties to carve out their distinct discourses, particularly on subjects such as immigration and assimilation, instead of constantly trailing after the far right.

"It resembles a choreography," explained one author. "When the leader is far-right and you're reacting to it, you lose the ability to choose which music should be playing."